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Diabetes Myths Debunked

The American Diabetes Association clears up myths and misconceptions about diabetes.

Myth #1
You can catch diabetes from someone else.

No. Although we don’t know exactly why some people develop diabetes, we know diabetes isn’t contagious. It cannot be caught like a cold or the flu. There seems to be some genetic link in diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle factors also play a part.

Myth #2
People with diabetes can’t eat sweets or chocolate.

If eaten as part of a healthy meal plan or combined with exercise, sweets and desserts can be eaten by people with diabetes. They are no more “off limits” to people with diabetes than they are to people without diabetes.

Myth #3
Eating too much sugar causes diabetes

No. Diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. However, being overweight does increase your risk for developing type 2 diabetes. If you have a history of diabetes in your family, eating a healthy balance of foods and regular exercise are recommended to manage your weight.

Myth #4
People with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods

A healthy meal plan for people with diabetes is the same as that for everyone -- balanced meals low in fat (especially saturated fats and trans fat), moderate in salt and sugar, with meals based on whole-grains, lean protein, vegetables and fruit. Diabetic and “dietetic” versions of sugar-containing foods may not offer special benefits. They still raise blood glucose levels, are usually more expensive and can also have a laxative effect if they contain sugar alcohols.

Myth #5
If you have diabetes, you should only eat small amounts of starchy foods, such as bread, potatoes and pasta

Starchy foods are part of a healthy meal plan. What is important is the portion size. Whole-grain breads, cereals, pasta, rice and starchy vegetables like potatoes, yams, peas and corn can be included in your meals and snacks. For most people with diabetes, having three or four carbohydrate portions per meal is about right. Whole-grain starchy foods are also a good source of fiber, which helps keep your digestive system healthy.

Myth #6
People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and other illnesses

No. You are no more likely to get a cold or another illness if you have diabetes. However, people with diabetes are advised to get flu shots. This is because any infection interferes with your blood glucose management, putting you at risk of high blood glucose levels, which might make it difficult to fight an infection or heal a wound.

Myth #7
Insulin causes atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and high blood pressure

No, insulin does not cause atherosclerosis. In the laboratory, there is evidence that insulin can initiate some of the early processes associated with atherosclerosis. Therefore, some physicians were fearful that insulin might aggravate the development of high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries. But it does not.

Myth #8
Insulin causes weight gain, and because obesity is bad for you, insulin should not be taken

Both the UKPDS (United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study) and the DCCT (Diabetes Control & Complications Trial) have shown that the benefit of glucose management with insulin far outweighs (no pun intended) the risk of weight gain.

Myth #9
Fruit is a healthy food, so it’s OK to eat as much of it as you wish

Fruit is a healthy food. It contains fiber and lots of vitamins and minerals, as well as carbohydrates, so it needs to be included in your meal plan. Talk to your dietitian about the amount, frequency and types of fruits you should eat.

The better your glucose control, the less likely you are to develop complications of diabetes. The A1C test measures your average blood glucose levels over several months to determine the effectiveness of your current diabetes plan. The closer your A1C is to the normal range (less than 6 percent), the lower your chances of complications. However, the lower the A1C, the greater the risk of hypoglycemia, or very low blood sugar, especially if you have type 1 diabetes. Talk with your health care provider about the best goal for you.